Drinking Water

The Department of Health has awarded a $975,000 loan to the Town of Welsh in Jefferson Davis Parish. The loan is through the State’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, and will help the town improve its drinking water system.

The Department of Health recently awarded a $6.5 million loan to the Louisiana Water Company (LAWCO) located in several parishes throughout Louisiana. Provided through the State’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, the funding will help the water company improve drinking water infrastructure in the community water systems they operate.

The Louisiana Department of Health recently awarded a $1,920,000 loan to the Holmesville Water System through the State’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund. This low-interest subsidized loan will help improve Holmesville’s water system.

The Louisiana Department of Health recently awarded a $500,000 loan to the Town of Lutcher through the State’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund. This low-interest subsidized loan will help improve the town’s water system.

The Louisiana Department of Health recently awarded a $980,000 loan to the City of Scott through the State’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund. This low-interest subsidized loan will help improve the City of Scott’s water system.

The Louisiana Department of Health recently awarded a $3,666,000 loan to Southwest Ouachita Waterworks through the State’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund. This low-interest subsidized loan will help improve the water system quality.

Throughout the course of the week, each home will receive an empty bottle and instructions to collect a water sample. Residents can choose to collect the sample on their own; can allow state personnel to collect the sample; or can choose not to participate in sampling.

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a Public Health Emergency for the Town of St. Joseph in North Louisiana. Residents are advised to use an alternative source for drinking water. On Dec. 15, 2016 test results conducted by the Office of Public Health showed elevated levels of lead in two samples – a private residence and the Town Hall. Also, there were two other sites with elevated levels of copper – both were private residences. The Town of St. Joseph has experienced water problems for years due to the poorly maintained and deteriorating water distribution system. Frequent breaks in the water distribution system provide a potential health risk because of the drop in water pressure.

The Louisiana Department of Health offers advice to Louisiana residents with private drinking water wells and to restaurants that are in areas affected by the recent storm system that caused flooding throughout the state.